Need hatch support ideas

[Cuda]

I want to use these struts to hold my hatch open. I was thinking of using 5200 to put a block of starboard under the hatch, then screw the strut to the starboard. I still haven't figured how to attach the strut to the boat.

[Lenny]

Cuda, are you not interested in what I bought from Lakeside Restorations?

The brackets are CHEAP. It is the rams that cost the money.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11308

[gcarter]

I just got mine assembled. Take a look.

[Lenny]

Nice job George :yes:

[gcarter]

I need to look for some kind of standoffs to keep the hatch off the deck opening frame. I get tired of touching up the paint. :smash:

[John W]

FYI,
52 million will not stick to starboard. It will come apart. 3M however does make a glue for it, but I think it is for gluing starboard to starboard

[Cuda]

FYI,
52 million will not stick to starboard. It will come apart. 3M however does make a glue for it, but I think it is for gluing starboard to starboard
I thought about that. I've heard there is a glue for it.

[Cuda]

Cuda, are you not interested in what I bought from Lakeside Restorations?

The brackets are CHEAP. It is the rams that cost the money.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11308
How does it attach Lenny?

[Cuda]

George, how did you attach it to the lid?

[gcarter]

Joe, if you look at Lenny's link above, you'll see the Donzi hardware furnished by Jamie Wallace. This is the current hardware found on 18's and 22's. I bought the struts from CarQuest.

[gcarter]

The hardware shown in Lenny's link cost about $100.00. The upper bracket doesn't fit the stud plate without enlarging the holes (the holes are in the wrong place). You also have to modify the hatch to allow for the stud plate welds. Also, once you determine the necessary length of the studs, you have to cut them off and dress the threads. But other than the extra hour modifying the pieces, it looks pretty good.
The bottom brackets are easy.

[Cuda]

Did you have to drill through the hatch? The picture is just of the parts.

[gcarter]

Yep, four holes. But after repairing a 3" X 6" hole in the hatch, four 1/4" holes are nothing.

[Lenny]

Yes to drill thru the hatch. The sides (engine bay on deck, not the hatch are pop riveted on. Very easy stuff. The hatch cover plate for the studs looks GREAT and as said, is standard on all newer DONZI's. No complaints other than my hatch hinges which is another story. :D

[Cuda]

Yes to drill thru the hatch. D

:eek: :eek: :eek:

I am fundamentaly against drilling holes through fiberglass, unless it's absolutely necessary. If I can't get the starboard to stick, I'll make the blocks from plywood and gelcoat them.

[Cuda]

George, how strong are the struts? The one's I bought are 20 pound.

[Cuda]

I cut out half inch pressure treated plywood, and painted them with easypoxy. I'm going to try gluing them to the hatch. If it doesn't stick, I haven't lost anything.

[gcarter]

The struts I bought are 30#. Lighter ones will definately hold the hatch up. However, the stronger ones will raise it.

[Chili 18]

The struts I bought are 30#. Lighter ones will definately hold the hatch up. However, the stronger ones will raise it.

What length are they? I need to do this project too...

[gcarter]

What length are they? I need to do this project too...
It seems like it was 11"-17", but the CarQuest # is 4423 (shock). $21.52 each.

[Cuda]

Upon further review, I don't think the struts I have are going to work. I need one end to pivot directly off the end, and not at a 90 degree angle. :(

[Chili 18]

It seems like it was 11"-17", but the CarQuest # is 4423 (shock). $21.52 each.


Great! Thanks...

c

[Cuda]

I think I've come up with a plan. I've got some aluminum angle I can bolt to the side, then bolt the hinge to it....................I hope.

[BUIZILLA]

Cuda, West has the correct shocks, and both style mount brackets, in their stores...

JH